With the coveted Phillip Treacy tiara fresh on her head The Rose of Tralee, Nicola McEvoy, is excited for the year ahead.
The beauty, who represented Luxembourg in the competition, said she was beyond shocked when presenter Daithi O’Se revealed that she had won the competition last night.
“It was amazing to win. I was so surprised when my name was called out. It was a shock,” she said.
Nicola, who is hails from County Cork, agreed that her arm was sore from waving after a fantastic evening in Tralee.
Luxembourg Rose Nicola McEvoy was crowned The Rose of Tralee last night
The brunette teacher took to the stage on Monday night and she revealed that sharing the stage with Daithi was the highlight of the competition.
The Rose thrilled the judges with her sparkling personality and her beautiful rendition of the French classic La Vie En Rose.
“Of course meeting all of the girls was amazing but being on stage with Daithi was probably my favourite part.
“I got to sing my song and being on that stage was amazing,” she said.
Along with the gorgeous Phillip Treacy tiara, Nicola also scooped a sash, jewellery, cutlery embossed with her family crest, a €25,000 tour of the world and an adventure break in Kerry.
The Rose said she can’t wait for the opportunity to see the world and represent the festival internationally.
Nicola enjoyed her time on stage with Daithi on Monday night
“I am really excited to see the world. I am looking forward to going to Asia because it is a place I have always wanted to see.”
As for the luxury holiday in County Kerry, Nicola will be bringing her boyfriend, Eamonn.
“I will be bringing my boyfriend Eamonn on the break and I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a fun trip.”
Although Nicola expressed her fondness for all of her fellow Roses she grew particularly close to her roommate Erin Kelly, The Southern California Rose. However, Nicola said their room is looking a bit worse for wear this morning after the exciting weekend.
“I had a great time with Erin. We got on very well.
“Our room is a bit messy this morning. Clothes are thrown everywhere,” she laughed.
The beauty is keen to keep in contact with everyone she met during her time in Tralee and revealed that she hopes to visit some of the Roses in their home countries in the upcoming year.
Nicola stunned the judges with her version of La Vie En Rose on Monday
“They are a great group of girls and we’ll be friends for a very long time. I can’t wait to get at Facebook and add everyone and see everyone’s pictures from the week,” she said.
The newly crowned Rose of Tralee said the competition has been a fantastic experience.
“This experience has given me confidence and I have really grown as a person because of it.
“You get to meet girls from all over the world and that is amazing.
“I’d advise any girl to do it. It is an amazing experience,” she finished.
